Apparatus and method for coupling therapeutic and/or monitoring equipment to a patient
A method and apparatus for supporting couplers for therapy administration and/or monitoring. The apparatus can include a support member configured to rest on a body of a recipient proximate to a coupling area. The support member can include a first coupler location configured to removably carry a first coupler proximate to a first coupling position of the body of the recipient. A second coupler location of the support member is configured to removably carry a second coupler proximate to a second coupling position of the body of the recipient. The first and second coupler locations can be arranged to guide the practitioner to connect the couplers properly to the body. For example, the first coupler location can be positioned closer than the second coupler location to the first coupling position. Accordingly, practitioners can be more likely to connect the first and second couplers to the correct coupling position on the body of the recipient.
This application is a continuation-in-part of: (1) U.S. application Ser. No. 09/452,477, titled “Percutaneous Electrical Therapy System with Electrode Entry Angle Control,” filed Dec. 1, 1999; and (2) U.S. application Ser. No. 09/666,931, titled “Method and Apparatus for Repositioning a Percutaneous Probe,” filed Sep. 21, 2000, both incorporated herein in their entireties by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELDThis invention relates generally to apparatuses and methods for coupling therapeutic and/or monitoring equipment to a patient.
BACKGROUNDElectrical therapy has long been used in medicine to treat pain and other conditions. For example, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) systems deliver electrical energy through electrode patches placed on the surface of a patient's skin to treat pain in tissue beneath and around the location of the patches. However, the TENS systems may not adequately alleviate pain in certain circumstances.
More, recently, a technique in which electrodes are placed through the patient's skin into the target tissue has been proposed. Percutaneous Neuromodulation Therapy (“PNT”) (also sometimes called Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation or “PENS”) using percutaneously placed electrodes achieves significantly better pain relief results than TENS treatments using skin surface electrodes. This therapy is described in Ghoname et al., “Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Low Back Pain,” JAMA 281:818-23 (1999); Ghoname et al., “The Effect of Stimulus Frequency on the Analgesic Response to Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain,” Anesth. Analg. 88:841-6 (1999); Ahmed et al., “Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS): A Complementary Therapy for the Management of Pain Secondary to Bony Metastasis,” Clinical Journal of Pain 14:320-3 (1998); and Ahmed et al., “Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation: An Alternative to Antiviral Drugs for Herpes Zoster,” Anesth. Analg. 87:911-4 (1998). The contents of these references are incorporated herein by reference.
Thus far, PNT practitioners have used percutaneously placed acupuncture needles attached to waveform generators via cables and alligator clips to deliver the therapy to the patient. One feature of conventional PNT systems is that they typically include a number of electrical cables that must be properly connected to the corresponding percutaneous electrodes to deliver effective electrical therapy. Accordingly, a drawback with these conventional systems is that it can be difficult (particularly for inexperienced practitioners) to connect each electrical cable to the proper corresponding electrode. This drawback is shared as well by other systems that require multiple connections to the patient. Such systems include electrical monitoring systems and drug delivery systems.
SUMMARYThe invention is directed to apparatuses and methods for supporting therapeutic and/or diagnostic couplers for removable coupling to a recipient. An apparatus in accordance with one aspect of the invention can include a support member configured to rest on a body of the recipient proximate to a coupling region. The support member can include a first coupler location configured to removably carry a first coupler proximate to a first coupling position of the body of the recipient. The support member can further include a second coupler location configured to removably carry a second coupler proximate to a second coupling position of the body of the recipient. In one aspect of the invention, the support member can be spaced apart from the first and second coupling positions. In another aspect of the invention, the support member can be elongated along a support member axis and the first coupler location can be positioned closer than the second coupler location to the support member axis. In still another aspect of the invention, the first coupler location can be positioned closer than the second coupler location to the first coupling position. Accordingly, the apparatus can guide a practitioner to connect the couplers to the correct coupling position.
In another aspect of the invention, the support member can be flexible and resilient to conform to a surface of the body, and can be shaped to rest on at least one of a back, a neck, a head, and a leg of the recipient. The apparatus can further include a flexible link coupled between the first coupler and the support member. The link can remain connected between the first coupler and the support member when the first coupler is moved from an attached position to a detached position and then to a coupled position with the coupler coupled to the body of the recipient. The link can include an electrical cable configured to be coupled to a source of electrical pulses, an electrical cable configured to be coupled to a signal monitor, and/or a length of tubing configured to be coupled to a source of liquid medicament.
In yet another aspect of the invention, the first and second coupling positions can be two of a larger plurality of coupling positions and the first and second coupler locations can be two of a larger plurality of coupler locations. An outline of the coupling positions can define a first shape and an outline of the coupler locations can define a corresponding second shape at least generally similar to the first shape.
The invention is also directed toward a method for coupling therapy and/or monitoring equipment to a recipient. The method can include positioning a support member against a body of a recipient proximate to a coupling area, supporting a first coupler relative to the body at a first coupler location of the support member proximate to a first coupling position of the body, and supporting a second coupler relative to the body at a second coupler location of the support member proximate to a second coupling position of the body. In one aspect of the invention, the support member can be elongated along a support member axis and the first coupler location can be positioned closer than the second coupler location to the first coupling position and/or to the support member axis. In another aspect of the invention, the support member can be spaced apart from the first and second coupling positions. The method can further include removing the first coupler from the support member and coupling the first coupler to the body at the first coupling position, and removing the second coupler from the support member and coupling the second coupler to the body at the second coupling position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 2A-E are schematic renderings of a percutaneous electrical therapy system according to another embodiment of this invention.
Percutaneous electrical therapy systems, such as PNT systems, deliver electric current to a region of a patient's tissue through electrodes that pierce the skin covering the tissue. The electric current is generated by a control unit external to the patient and typically has particular waveform characteristics such as frequency, amplitude and pulse width. Depending on the treatment or therapy being delivered, there may be one electrode containing both a cathode and an anode or a plurality of electrodes with at least one serving as a cathode and at least one serving as an anode.
The electrode has a sharp point not only to facilitate insertion through the patient's skin but also to enhance local current density during treatment. The placement and location of the electrode point is therefore an important aspect of the therapy. The electrodes must also be properly coupled to the control unit to form a complete circuit for delivering therapeutic electric current to the patient.
FIGS. 1A-G are block diagrams showing deployment and use of a percutaneous electrical therapy system and electrode assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown in
Deployment of the electrode assembly can include the steps taken to place the electrode assembly in proper position and condition for use in electrical therapy.
The actuator 6 may have a limit stop 9 element cooperating with a limit stop area 8 of the housing 4 to limit distal motion of the actuator 6 and to control the depth of insertion of the sharp point 2 of the electrode 1. In one embodiment, for example, when the electrical therapy system is used to provide percutaneous neuromodulation therapy, the predetermined electrode depth is 3 cm. Other electrode depths may be used, of course, depending on the intended application and therapy.
After insertion, the housing 4 and the actuator 6 (which have heretofore acted as an electrode introducer) can be removed, as shown in
After completion of the electrical therapy, the electrode assembly can be undeployed. In an embodiment shown in
FIGS. 2A-E are block diagrams showing another embodiment of the invention. In one aspect of this embodiment, a control unit 10 is connected to an electrode 12 within an electrode assembly 13 via a conductor 16. As above, for use with PNT, the control unit 10 can supply a current-regulated and current-balanced waveform with an amplitude of up to approximately 20 mA, a frequency between approximately 4 Hz and 50 Hz, and pulse width of between approximately 50 μsec and 1 msec. In other embodiments, the control unit 10 can supply electrical current having other characteristics. As shown in its undeployed state in
To begin deployment, a distal face 21 of the housing 18 is placed against the patient's skin 22, as shown in
The actuator 19 may be part of the electrode assembly 13 or a separate component of the system. The actuator 19 may also have a limit stop element 23 that cooperates with a limit stop area 17 of housing 18 to limit distal movement of actuator 19, thereby controlling the depth of insertion of electrode 12. In one embodiment, for example, when the electrical stimulation system is used to provide percutaneous neuromodulation therapy, the predetermined electrode depth is approximately 3 cm, although other electrode depths may be used depending on the application. The control unit 10 may then provide the appropriate therapy to the patient through the electrode 12 and any other electrodes connected to it.
During undeployment, the actuator 19 can draw the electrode 12 back proximally into the housing 18. After the electrode 12 is removed from the patient's skin, the housing 18 of sharp point protection assembly 14 once again surrounds the sharp point 20 of the now uninserted electrode 12, as shown in
While FIGS. 2A-E show the electrode connected to the control unit prior to deployment and insertion of the electrode into the patient's skin, the connection between the control unit and the electrode could be made during deployment or after insertion. Also, while FIGS. 2A-E show only one electrode connected to the control unit, it should be understood that a plurality of electrodes may be connected to a single control unit, as called for by the desired electrical stimulation treatment.
To use the percutaneous electrical therapy systems of FIGS. 1A-G and FIGS. 2A-E to treat a patient, one or more electrodes are inserted through the patient's skin into the underlying tissue. As an example, to treat low back pain using PNT with unipolar electrodes, an array or montage such as that shown in
The actuator 36 fits within a housing portion 40 of base 32 in a slidable arrangement. A locking assembly can prevent relative movement between the actuator 36 and the housing 40 of the base 32. In one embodiment, the locking assembly of the actuator 36 has integrally-formed resilient detents 48 on its exterior cylindrical surface. In the undeployed state of electrode assembly 30, the detents 48 mate with corresponding openings 50 in the base 32 to hold the actuator 36 and the base 32 in place with respect to each other to prevent the electrode 34 from moving outside of the protective housing 40 of the base 32, thereby providing sharp point protection. In other embodiments, mechanisms other than the detent and opening arrangement may be used to hold the actuator and base in place.
In one embodiment, the electrode 34 can include a 3-cm long 32-gauge stainless steel needle. Other sizes and materials may be used for the electrode 34, of course, without departing from the scope of the invention. The actuator 36 can be formed from HDPE as well, although other suitable materials may be used.
The electrode 34 can have a larger-diameter handle 52 at its proximal end. The handle 52 can fit within a channel 54 formed within the actuator 36. The channel 54 can have a narrow opening 56 at its distal end, with a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of electrode 34 but narrower than the diameter of handle 52 to hold electrode 34 in place within the actuator 36 after initial manufacture and assembly. In the undeployed state shown in
To deploy one or more electrode assemblies on a patient in order to provide electrical stimulation therapy (such as PNT), the distal surface 46 of the flange portion 44 of the base 32 can be mounted on the desired site on the patient's skin, preferably with a compressible adhesive pad (not shown) surrounding a ring 43 extending downward from surface 46 around an aperture 41 formed at the distal end of channel 42, although other means of attaching base 32 to the patient may be used as appropriate. This action aligns the base 32 with respect to the patient's skin. The flange portion 44 of the base 32 provides extra stability for the electrode assembly during electrode insertion and use.
A coupler or actuator tool 60 can be used to both insert the electrode and connect the electrode electrically with a control unit 62. The coupler 60 and the electrode assembly 30 can also interact to provide the sharp point protection assembly of this embodiment. When the distal end of the coupler 60 is placed against the proximal ends of the base 32 and the actuator 36, the exposed proximal end 64 of the electrode handle 52 makes electrical contact with a contact surface 66 within the coupler 60. The contact surface 66, in turn, can be electrically connected to the control unit 62 via a cable or other conductor 68.
The coupler 60 can have two oppositely disposed pegs 70 extending outwardly from the distal portion of its cylindrically surface. The pegs 70 can mate with two corresponding slots 72 in the actuator 36 and with two corresponding grooves 74 in the base 32. The second of the two slots 72 and the second of the two grooves 74 are each opposite the slot 72 and groove 74, respectively, shown in
The coupler 60 can be rotated clockwise (looking down on the assembly), after the pegs 70 reach the end of the longitudinal portions 76 and 78. Accordingly, the pegs 70 move into short circumferential portions 80 and 82, respectively, of the slots 72 and the grooves 74. The length of the circumferential portions 80 of the slots 72 is less than the length of the circumferential portions 82 of the grooves 74. Continued movement of the pegs 70 along the circumferential portions 82 will therefore move the pegs 70 against the ends 81 of the circumferential slots 80. Further clockwise rotation of the coupler 60 will cause the actuator 36 to rotate clockwise as well, thereby moving the detents 48 out of the openings 50 and allowing the electrode 34 and the actuator 36 to move with respect to base 32.
Second longitudinal portions 84 of the grooves 74 can be formed in base 32 at the end of circumferential portions 82. Movement of the pegs 70 distally along the second longitudinal portions 84 pushes the pegs 70 against the distal edges of the circumferential slot portions 80, thereby moving the actuator 36 and the electrode 34 in a controlled fashion distally toward the patient's skin 22.
As it moves, the electrode 34 passes through the channel 42, and the sharp point of electrode 34 moves out through aperture 41. The channel 42 and the actuator 36 provide axial support to the electrode 34 during this forward movement and also, along with the support provided by the flange 44, provide entry angle guidance to the electrode 34. In addition, downward pressure on the patient's skin during electrode deployment can compress the compressible adhesive pad and press the ring 43 against the patient's skin 22, which helps ease electrode entry through the skin and also lessens the insertion pain experienced by the patient.
The alignment of the base 32 with respect to the patient's skin and the controlled movement of the actuator 36 and the electrode 34 within the base 32 can control the angle at which the electrode enters the tissue underlying the patient's skin. Distal movement of the electrode 34 and its actuator within the base 32 can continue until a distal surface 86 of a cylindrical cap portion 92 of the coupler 60 meets an annular surface 88 of housing 40. At this point, the sharp point 38 of the electrode 34 has extended a predetermined depth into the tissue underlying the patient's skin. In one embodiment, this predetermined depth is approximately 3 cm, and the depth can have other values depending on the treatment to be performed.
The electrode assembly 30 can also include a deployed electrode holding mechanism. In one aspect of this embodiment, an interference fit between the inner surface of channel 42 and the outer surface 55 of channel 52 performs this function.
Electrical stimulation treatment may begin once the electrodes have been deployed and inserted. The control unit 62 can supply stimulation current to the electrodes, e.g., in the manner described in the Ghoname et al. articles. The electrical waveform provided by the control unit depends on the application. For example, in one embodiment, the control unit 62 can provide a current-regulated and current-balanced waveform with an amplitude of up to approximately 20 mA, frequency between approximately 4 Hz and 50 Hz, and pulse width of between approximately 50 μsec and 1 msec. In other embodiments, the control unit 62 can provide electrical current at other frequencies.
The interaction of the coupler 60 and the base 32 can provide stability to the electrode 34 and its electrical connection to the control unit during treatment by holding the electrode in place, by providing strain relief for tugging forces on the cable 68, and by providing a robust mechanical connection. It should also be noted that in one aspect of these embodiments, the sharp point of the electrode 34 is not exposed to the operator or to any other bystander at any point during deployment and use of the electrode assembly.
After treatment has been completed, the electrode may be removed from the patient. To do so, the coupler 60 can be moved proximally away from the patient. As the pegs 70 move proximally along the longitudinal portions 84 of the grooves 74, the pegs 70 push against the proximal edges of the actuator's circumferential slot portions 80, thereby moving the actuator 36 and the electrode 34 proximally as well. When the pegs 70 reach the proximal end of the longitudinal groove portions 84, the sharp end 38 of the electrode 34 is out of the patient and safely inside the housing 40 of the base 32. Counterclockwise movement of the coupler 60 moves the pegs 70 along the circumferential portions 80 and 82 of the slot 72 and the groove 74, respectively. Because the circumferential portion 80 is shorter than the circumferential portion 82, this counterclockwise movement will turn the actuator 36 counterclockwise.
At the limit of the counterclockwise movement, the detents 48 move back into the openings 50 to prevent further movement of the electrode and the actuator with respect to the base 32. Further distal movement of the coupler 60 moves the pegs 70 distally along the longitudinal portions 76 and 78 of the slot 72 and the groove 74, respectively, to disconnect the coupler 60 from the electrode assembly 30. The base 32 can then be removed from the patient.
In another aspect of this embodiment, an arrangement of the engagement members 65 on the support member 63 can correspond to an arrangement of the electrode assemblies 30a-j on the patient's back. For example, when the electrode assemblies 30a-j are connected to the patient at ten sites arranged in two rows on each side of the patient's spine, the engagement members 65 can be arranged in two rows, one on each side of a central axis 67 (
Once each electrode assembly 30 has been actuated by its respective coupler 60 to insert an electrode into the patient's tissue (as shown in
Twelve electrodes 102 are disposed within a magazine 103 rotatably mounted within a housing 104. In one embodiment, the housing 104 is a two-part injection molded polystyrene assembly. As shown in
The magazine 103 can have twelve electrode chambers 115 arranged radially about the hub 105. When the introducer 100 is completely full, each chamber 115 contains one electrode 102. The diameter of an upper portion 118 of the chamber 115 is sized to form an interference fit with the wider portions 112 and 114 of electrode handle portion 107 of electrode 102. A lower wide portion 114 of electrode 102 can be formed from a compressible material. The diameter of a lower portion 119 of the chamber 115 is slightly larger so that there is no interference fit between the lower portion 119 and the electrode handle 107, for reasons explained below. Each time the leaf spring 106 is within a groove 108, the opening 106 of a magazine chamber 115 is lined up with the aperture 117 of the introducer 100, as shown in
A slide member 109 is disposed on a rail 110 formed in the housing 104. Extending longitudinally downwardly from the slide member 109 is a drive rod 111, and extending longitudinally upwardly from the slide member 109 is a gear rack 120. The teeth of the gear rack 120 cooperate with the teeth on a rotational gear 122 mounted about a shaft 124 extending into a shaft mount 126 formed in the housing 104. A second set of teeth are mounted on a smaller diameter rotational gear 128 (shown more clearly in
The teeth of the smaller diameter gear 128 mesh with the teeth of a second gear rack 130 extending from a longitudinally-movable actuator 132. A spring 134 mounted between the actuator 132 and a spring platform 136 biases the actuator 132 away from the housing 104.
To deploy the electrode assembly of this embodiment, a flexible and compressible annular patch 140 is placed on the patient's skin at the desired site, preferably with an adhesive (not shown). For example, to treat low back pain using PNT, the arrangement or montage shown in
As shown in
After the patch 140 is in place, the distal end of the introducer 100 is placed against the patch 140 so that the introducer aperture 117 surrounds the upwardly extending portion of rigid patch member 141, as shown in
Depressing the actuator 132 moves the gear rack 130 distally, which causes the gears 128 and 122 to rotate. Because the diameter and tooth count of the gear 128 differ from the diameter and tooth count the gear 122, the gear rack 120 moves longitudinally a much greater distance than the corresponding longitudinal movement of the gear rack 130. This feature enables the electrode to be inserted its required distance into the patient's skin using only a comparatively small movement of the operator's thumb. Distal movement of the gear rack 120 is guided by the movement of the slide member 109 along the rail 110.
As the slide member 109 moves distally, the drive rod 111 moves into a magazine chamber 115 until the distal end of the drive rod 111 engages the top surface of the electrode's handle portion 107. As shown in
When the top portion 112 of the electrode handle portion 107 leaves the smaller diameter portion 118 of the magazine chamber 115, it enters the larger diameter portion 119 of the chamber 115. At this point (shown in
Continued downward movement of the actuator 132 and the drive rod 111 pushes the lower larger diameter portion 114 of the electrode handle 107 through the smaller diameter portion 142 of rigid member 141 by compressing the handle portion 114. Further downward movement pushes the handle portion 114 into the larger diameter portion 144 of the rigid member 141 so that the rigid member's smaller diameter portion lies between the larger diameter portions 112 and 114 of the electrode handle 107. This interaction holds the electrode in place in the patient's tissue and helps provide depth control for electrode insertion. In this embodiment, the preferred depth of the electrode's sharp point 108 is approximately 3 cm, although the electrode may be inserted to other depths depending on the treatment to be performed. The slider member 109 also acts as a limit stop at this point when it engages the limit stop area 145 of housing 104, thereby also controlling electrode insertion depth.
The magazine 103 can be rotated to a new insertion position and placed against an empty patch 140 after insertion of each electrode until all electrodes have been deployed and inserted. A suitable electrical connector 148, such as an alligator clip, can be electrically connected to electrode 102 through an aperture (not shown) formed in the upper larger diameter portion 112 of electrode handle 107 to provide electrical communication between a control unit 150 and electrode 102 via a cable or other conductor 149, as shown in
The control unit 150 supplies stimulation current to the electrodes, e.g., in the manner described in the Ghoname et al. articles. Once again, the electrical waveform provided by the control unit depends on the application. For example, in an embodiment of a system providing percutaneous neuromodulation therapy, the control unit 150 can provide a current-regulated and current-balanced waveform with an amplitude of up to approximately 20 mA, frequency between approximately 4 Hz and 50 Hz, and pulse width of between approximately 50 μsec and 1 msec.
In an alternative embodiment, the lower wide portion of the electrode handle can be formed from a rigid material and can have rounded camming edges. The central annulus of patch 140 in this alternative embodiment is either compressible or has a resilient camming opening under the camming action of the electrode handle.
When the couplers 260 are generally similar to the couplers 60 described above with reference to
The coupler support 200 can include links 250 between the support member 220 and each coupler 260. In one aspect of this embodiment, the links 250 can include electrical cables to transmit electrical signals to the couplers 260 and to the patient or recipient to whom the couplers 260 are attached. In other embodiments, the links 250 can have other configurations, as described below with reference to
When the links 250 include electrical cables, each link 250 can enter the support member 220 at an entry attachment point 223. The links 250 can then pass through a cable channel 212 of the support member 220 and exit the support member 220 at an exit attachment point 224. The links 250 can be bundled together to form a bundled link 251 that can be attached to an electrical connector 252 for coupling to a source of electrical potential.
In one embodiment, the support member 220 can include an upper portion 210 bonded to a lower portion 211. The upper portion 210 can include the cable channel 212 and the engagement members 240. The support member 220 can be formed by molding the upper portion 210, inverting the upper portion 210, and laying a cable harness (which includes the bundled link 251 and the individual links 250) into the cable channel 212. The lower portion 211 can be attached to the upper portion 210 (for example, in an overmold process) to fix the harness into the support member 220. In other embodiments, the coupler support 200 can be formed with other techniques. In any of these embodiments, the support member 220 can include a flexible, soft durometer, bio-compatible, thermoplastic elastomeric material, such as Sanoprene®, available from Advanced Elastomeric Systems of Akron, Ohio. Accordingly, the support member 220 can conform to the shape of the recipient's body, as described below with reference to
In a further aspect of this embodiment, the shape of the support member 220 and the positions of the engaging members on the support member 220 can be configured to aid the practitioner in connecting each coupler 260 to the correct corresponding coupling site on the recipient's body. For example, when the coupler support 200 is configured to administer electrical therapy to the recipient's back, the support member 220 can have an axial elongated portion 221 aligned with a central axis 270. The support member 220 can further include two transverse elongated portions 222 (shown as a first transverse elongated portion 222a and second transverse elongated portion 222b) arranged transverse to the central axis 270. In one aspect of this embodiment, the coupler support 200 generally and the elongated portions 221, 222 in particular can be configured to be spaced apart from corresponding coupling sites on the recipient's back, so as not to interfere with the operation of attaching the couplers 260 to the recipient. For example, in one embodiment, the axial elongated portion 221 can have a length of about 11 inches ±0.25 inch (measured from the exit attachment point 224). The transverse elongated portions 222a, 222b can have lengths of about 6.8 inches and about 7.5 inches, respectively, ±0.25 inch. In other embodiments, the elongated portions 221, 222 can have other dimensions. In any of these embodiments, each coupler 260 can be positioned proximate to its corresponding coupling site to aid the practitioner in connecting the couplers with the appropriate coupling site, as described below with reference to
The coupling area 280 includes a plurality of coupling positions or sites 281 (shown as 281a-j) at which a corresponding plurality of electrode assemblies 230 (shown as 230a-j) are attached. In one embodiment, the electrode assemblies 230 are arranged in cathode/anode pairs with five circuits formed by electrode assembly pairs 230a and 230b; 230c and 230d; 230e and 230f; 230g and 230h; and 230i and 230j. Once the coupler support 200 is in position on the recipient's back, each engagement member 240 (shown as 240a-j) is positioned proximate to its corresponding electrode assembly 230a-j. For example, those engagement members 240 that are to be coupled with electrode assemblies 230 close to the body longitudinal axis 271 are positioned close to the central axis 270 of the coupler support 200. Those engagement members 240 that are to be coupled with electrode assemblies 230 further away from body longitudinal axis 271 are positioned further away from the central axis 270 of the coupler support 200. Accordingly, many of the couplers 260 are positioned closer to the one corresponding electrode assembly 230 to which that coupler 260 is to be connected than to any other electrode assembly. As a result, practitioners will be less likely to link the couplers 260 to the incorrect electrode assembly 230.
In another aspect of this embodiment, the coupler support 200 can include other features to further aid the practitioner in attaching the couplers 260 to the correct coupling site 281. For example, the engagement member 240a can be can be offset to the right side of the central axis 270 and the engagement member 240b can be offset to the left side of the central axis 270 so that the practitioner will be more likely to connect the corresponding couplers 260a, 260b (
In one aspect of the embodiments described above with reference to
A feature of embodiments of the coupler support arrangements described above with reference to
Still a further advantage of embodiments of the coupler support described above is that a single support can accommodate a wide variety of applications. For example, a single support can be used with recipients ranging in height from about 4.5 feet to about 6.5 feet, as discussed above. A single coupler support can also be used with recipients having a wide variety of body shapes. Still further, a single coupler support can be positioned on recipients having a variety of postures. For example, a single coupler support can rest on the recipient's back whether the recipient is prone, leaning over, or partially upright, while still allowing the couplers to be connected to the appropriate coupling locations.
From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the couplers can be connected directly to the recipient rather than being connected to an intermediate device such as an electrode (i.e., the electrode can be integrated with the coupler). The coupler locations of the support member can include posts or columns, apertures, or any other feature that removably carries the couplers. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.
Claims
1. An apparatus for supporting couplers for removable coupling to a recipient during at least one of therapy administration and/or recipient monitoring, the apparatus comprising a support member configured to rest on a body of the recipient, the support member having a first coupler portion configured to be positioned proximate to a first coupling position of the body of the recipient, the support member further having a second coupler portion configured to be positioned proximate to a second coupling position of the body of the recipient, the first coupler portion being configured to removably carry a first coupler, wherein the first coupler is movable relative to the first coupler portion between a first carried position with the first coupler carried by the first coupler portion and a first coupled position with the first coupler operatively coupled to the recipient at the first coupling position the second coupler portion being configured to removably carry a second coupler, wherein the second coupler is movable relative to the second coupler portion between a second carried position with the second coupler carried by the second coupler portion and a second coupled position with the second coupler operatively coupled to the recipient at the second coupling position, the support member being spaced apart from the first and second coupling positions when resting on the body of the recipient.
2. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising:
- a first engagement member depending from the support member at the first coupler portion and configured to removably engage the first coupler; and
- a second engagement member depending from the support member at the second coupler portion and configured to removably engage the second coupler.
3. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising the first and second couplers.
4. An apparatus for supporting couplers for removable coupling to a recipient during at least one of therapy administration and recipient monitoring, the apparatus comprising:
- a first coupler having an electrical contact configured to be connected to a percutaneous electrical probe inserted into the recipient;
- a support member which aids in placement of the couplers on the recipient, and is configured to rest on a body of the recipient, the support member having a first coupler portion configured to be positioned proximate to a first coupling position of the body of the recipient and a second coupler portion configured to be positioned proximate to a second coupling position of the body of the recipient, the first coupler portion being configured to removably carry the first coupler, the second coupler portion being configured to removably carry a second coupler, the support member being spaced apart from the first and second coupling positions when resting on the body of the recipient; and
- a flexible cable connected between the first coupler and the support member, the cable remaining connected between the first coupler and the support member when the first coupler is moved from a first carried position with the first coupler carried by the first coupler portion to a first coupled position with the first coupler operatively coupled to the recipient.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the first coupler is configured to transmit electrical signals to the recipient when the first coupler is coupled to the recipient at the first coupled position.
6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the support member is shaped to rest on at least one of a back, a neck, a head and a leg of the recipient.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and second coupler portions are two of a larger plurality of coupler portions, wherein each of the larger plurality of coupler portions are configured to be positioned proximate to a corresponding one of a larger plurality of coupling positions including the first and second coupling positions, and further wherein an outline of the coupling positions defines a first shape and an outline of the coupler locations defines a corresponding second shape at least generally similar to the first shape.
8. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the first coupler portion is positioned closer than the second coupler portion to the first coupling position.
9. An apparatus for supporting couplers for removable coupling to a recipient during at least one of therapy administration and recipient monitoring, the apparatus comprising a support member configured to rest on a body of the recipient, the support member being elongated along a support member axis and having a first coupler portion configured to be positioned proximate to a first coupling position of the body of the recipient when the support member rests on the body of the recipient, the support member further having a second coupler portion configured to be positioned proximate to a second coupling position of the body of the recipient when the support member rests on the body of the recipient, the first coupler portion being configured to removably carry a first coupler, wherein the first coupler is movable relative to the first coupler portion between a first carried position with the first coupler carried by the first coupler portion and a first coupled position with the first coupler operatively coupled to the recipient at the first coupling position, the second coupler portion being configured to removably carry a second coupler, wherein the second coupler is movable relative to the second coupler portion between a second carried position with the second coupler carried by the second coupler portion and a second coupled position with the second coupler operatively coupled to the recipient at the second coupling position, the first coupler portion being positioned closer than the second coupler portion to the support member axis.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising:
- a first engagement member depending from the support member at the first coupler portion and configured to removably engage the first coupler; and
- a second engagement member depending from the support member at the second coupler portion and configured to removably engage the second coupler.
11. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising the first and second couplers.
12. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising:
- the first coupler, wherein the first coupler has an electrical contact configured to be connected to a percutaneous electrical probe inserted into the patient; and
- a flexible cable connected between the first coupler and the support member, the cable remaining connected between the first coupler and the support member when the first coupler is moved from the first carried position to the first coupled position.
13. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising the first coupler and wherein the first coupler is configured to transmit electrical signals to the recipient when the first coupler is coupled to the recipient at the first coupling position.
14. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the support member is shaped to rest on at least one of a back, a neck, a head and a leg of the recipient.
15. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the first and second coupler portions are two of a larger plurality of coupler portions, wherein each of the larger plurality of coupler portions are configured to be positioned proximate to a corresponding one of a larger plurality of coupling positions including the first and second coupling positions, further wherein an outline of the coupling positions defines a first shape and an outline of the coupler portions defines a corresponding second shape at least generally similar to the first shape.
16. An apparatus for supporting couplers for removable coupling to a recipient during at least one of therapy administration and recipient monitoring, the apparatus comprising a support member configured to rest on a body of the recipient, the support member having a first coupler portion configured to be positioned proximate to a first coupling position of the body of the recipient, the support member further having a second coupler portion configured to be positioned proximate to a second coupling position of the body of the recipient, the first coupler portion being configured to removably carry a first coupler, wherein the first coupler is movable relative to the first coupler portion between a first carried position with the first coupler carried by the first coupler portion and a first coupled position with the first coupler operatively coupled to the recipient at the first coupling position the second coupler location being configured to removably carry a second coupler, wherein the second coupler is movable relative to the second coupler portion between a second carried position with the second coupler carried by the second coupler portion and a second coupled position with the second coupler operatively coupled to the recipient at the second coupling position, the first coupler portion configured to be positioned closer than the second coupler portion to the first coupling position of the body of the recipient.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising:
- a first engagement member depending from the support member at the first coupler portion and configured to removably engage the first coupler; and
- a second engagement member depending from the support member at the second coupler portion and configured to removably engage the second coupler.
18. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising the first and second couplers.
19. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising:
- the first coupler, wherein the first coupler has an electrical contact configured to be connected to a percutaneous electrical probe inserted into the patient; and
- a flexible cable connected between the first coupler and the support member, the cable remaining connected between the first coupler and the support member when the first coupler is moved from the first carried position to the first coupled position.
20. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising the first coupler and wherein the first coupler is configured to receive electrical signals from the recipient when the first coupler is coupled to the recipient at the first coupling position.
21. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising the first coupler, and wherein the first coupler is configured to provide liquid medicament to the recipient when the first coupler is coupled to the recipient at the first coupling position.
22. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising the first coupler and wherein the first coupler is configured to transmit electrical signals to the recipient when the first coupler is coupled to the recipient at the first coupling position.
23. An apparatus for supporting couplers for removable coupling to a recipient during at least one of therapy administration and recipient monitoring, the apparatus comprising:
- a support member which aids in placement of the couplers on the recipient, and is configured to rest on a body of the recipient, the support member having a first coupler portion configured to be positioned proximate to a first coupling position of the body of the recipient and a second coupler portion configured to be positioned proximate to a second coupling position of the body of the recipient, the first coupler portion being configured to removably carry a first coupler, the second coupler portion being configured to removably carry a second coupler, the first coupler portion configured to be positioned closer than the second coupler portion to the first coupling position of the body of the recipient; wherein the support member includes a cavity at the first coupler portion positioned to receive at least a portion of the first coupler.
24. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the support member includes a column at the first coupler portion positioned to be received in an aperture of the first coupler.
25. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the support member is shaped to rest on at least one of a back, a neck, a head and a leg of the recipient.
26. The apparatus of claim 16 wherein the first and second coupler portions are two of a larger plurality of coupler portions, wherein each of the larger plurality of coupler portions are configured to be positioned proximate to a corresponding one of a larger plurality of coupling positions including the first and second coupling positions, further wherein an outline of the coupling positions defines a first shape and an outline of the coupler locations defines a corresponding second shape at least generally similar to the first shape.
27. An apparatus for supporting couplers for removable coupling to a recipient during at least one therapy administration and recipient monitoring, the apparatus comprising:
- a support member configured to rest on a body of the recipient proximate to a coupling region, the support member having a first engagement portion configured to be positioned proximate to a first coupling position on the body of the recipient and a second engagement portion configured to be positioned proximate to a second coupling position on the body of the recipient;
- a first engagement member configured to removably carry a first coupler at the first engagement portion of the support member, wherein the first coupler is movable relative to the first coupler portion between a first attached position with the first coupler carried by the first engagement member and a first coupled position with the first coupler operatively coupled to the recipient at the first coupling position; and
- a second engagement member configured to removably carry a second coupler at the second engagement portion of the support member, wherein the second coupler is movable relative to the second coupler portion between a second attached position with the second coupler carried by the second engagement member and a second coupled position with the second coupler operatively coupled to the recipient at the second coupling position, the first engagement member configured to be positioned closer than the second engagement member to the first coupling position.
28. An apparatus for supporting couplers for removable coupling to a recipient during at least one of therapy administration and recipient monitoring, the apparatus comprising:
- a first coupler having an electrical contact configured to be connected to a percutaneous electrical probe inserted into the recipient;
- a support member which aids in placement of the couplers on the recipient, and is configured to rest on a body of the recipient proximate to a coupling region, the support member having a first engagement portion configured to be positioned proximate to a first coupling position on the body of the recipient and a second engagement portion configured to be positioned proximate to a second coupling position on the body of the recipient;
- a first engagement member configured to removably carry the first coupler at the first engagement portion of the support member;
- a second engagement member configured to removably carry a second coupler at the second engagement portion of the support member, the first engagement member configured to be positioned closer than the second engagement member to the first coupling position; and
- a flexible cable connected between the first coupler and the support member, the cable remaining connected between the first coupler and the support member when the first coupler is moved from a first attached position with the first coupler carried by the first engagement member to a first coupled position with the first coupler operatively coupled to the recipient.
29. An apparatus for supporting couplers for removable coupling to a recipient monitoring, the apparatus comprising:
- a support member configured to rest on a body of the recipient proximate to a coupling region, the support member having a first engagement portion configured to a be positioned proximate to a first coupling position on the body of ht recipient and a second engagement portion configured to be positioned proximate to a second coupling position on the body of the recipient;
- a first engagement member configured to removably carry a first coupler at the first engagement portion of the support member; and
- a second engagement member configured to removably carry a second coupler at the second engagement portion of the support member, the first engagement member configured to be positioned closer than the second engagement member to the first coupling position
- wherein the support member has a central axis, a first elongated portion positioned along the central axis, a second elongated portion extending transversely to the central axis on first and second sides of the central axis, and a third elongated portion positioned between the first and second elongated portions and extending transversely to the central axis on the first and second sides of the central axis, further wherein the first and second engagement members are positioned on one of the elongated portions, with the first engagement member including a first post positioned on the first side of the central axis and the second engagement member including second a post positioned on the second side of the central axis.
30. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the first coupler is configured to receive electrical signals from the recipient when the first coupler is coupled to the recipient at the first coupling position.
31. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the first coupler is configured to provide liquid medicament to the recipient when the first coupler is coupled to the recipient at the first coupling position.
32. An apparatus for supporting couplers for removable coupling to a recipient during at least one of therapy administration and recipient monitoring, the apparatus comprising:
- a first coupler;
- a support member which aids in placement of the couplers on the recipient, and is configured to rest on a body of the recipient proximate to a coupling region, the support member having a first engagement portion configured to be positioned proximate to a first coupling position on the body of the recipient and a second engagement portion configured to be positioned proximate to a second coupling position on the body of the recipient;
- a first engagement member configured to removably carry the first coupler at the first engagement portion of the support member;
- a second engagement member configured to removably carry a second coupler at the second engagement portion of the support member, the first engagement member configured to be positioned closer than the second engagement member to the first coupling position; and
- a flexible link connected between the first coupler and the support member, the link remaining connected between the first coupler and the support member when the first coupler is moved from the first attached position to the first coupled position.
33. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein the link includes an electrical cable configured to be coupled to a source of electrical pulses to transmit percutaneous electrical stimulation pulses to the first coupler.
34. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein the link includes an electrical cable configured to be coupled to a signal monitor to monitor electrical signals received at the first coupler from the recipient.
35. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein the link includes a length of tubing configured to be coupled to a source of liquid medicament.
36. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the first engagement member includes a column projecting away from the support member, the column configured to be received in an aperture of the first coupler.
37. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the support member is flexible and resilient to conform to a surface of the body.
38. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the support member is shaped to rest on at least one of a back, a neck, a head and a leg of the recipient.
39. An apparatus for supporting couplers for removable coupling to a recipient during at least one of therapy administrations and recipient monitoring, the apparatus comprising:
- a support member which aids in placement of the couplers on the recipient, and is configured to reset on a body of the recipient proximate to a coupling region, the support member having a first engagement portion configured to be positioned proximate to a first coupling position on the body of the recipient and a second engagement portion configured to be positioned proximate to a second coupling position on the body of the recipient;
- a first engagement member configured to removably carry a first coupler at the first engagement portion of the support member; and
- a second engagement member configured to removably carry a second coupler at the second engagement portion of the support member, the first engagement member configured to be position closer than the second engagement member to the first coupling position;
- wherein the first engagement member has a cavity positioned to receive at least a portion of the first coupler.
40. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein an arrangement of the first and second engagement members corresponds at least approximately to an arrangement of the first and second coupling positions.
41. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the first and second engagement members are two of a larger plurality of engagement members, wherein each of the larger plurality of engagement members are configured to be positioned proximate to a corresponding one of a larger plurality of coupling positions including the first and second coupling positions, further wherein an outline of the coupling positions defines a first shape and an outline of the engagement members defines a corresponding second shape at least generally similar to the first shape.
42. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the first and second coupling positions are two of a larger plurality of coupling positions located on first and second sides of a central axis of the support member, and wherein the first and second engagement members are two of a larger plurality of engagement members arranged in two rows on opposite sides of the central axis.
43. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the first and second coupling positions each have a longitudinal location along a body longitudinal axis and a lateral location transverse to the body longitudinal axis, and wherein the support member has a central support member axis generally aligned with the body longitudinal axis during operation, further wherein the first engagement member has a longitudinal location and a lateral location relative to the central support member axis that correspond to the longitudinal and lateral locations of the first coupling position relative to the body longitudinal axis, still further wherein the second engagement member has a longitudinal location and a lateral location relative to the central support member axis that correspond to the longitudinal and lateral locations of the second coupling position relative to the body longitudinal axis.
44. The apparatus of claim 28, further comprising the first and second couplers.
45. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein at least a portion of the first engagement member has a first color and at least a portion of the second engagement member has a second color different than the first color.
46. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the first engagement member has a visual indicator corresponding to the first coupling position.
47. An apparatus for supporting couplers for removable coupling to a recipient during at least one of therapy administration and recipient monitoring, the apparatus comprising:
- a support member which aids in placement of the couplers on the recipient, and is configured to rest on a body of the recipient proximate to a coupling region, the support member having a first engagement portion configured to be positioned proximate to a first coupling position on the body of the recipient and a second engagement portion configured to be positioned proximate to a second coupling position on the body of the recipient;
- a first engagement member configured to removably carry a first coupler at the first engagement position of the support member;
- a second engagement member configured to removably carry a second coupler at the second engagement portion of the support member, the first engagement member configured to be positioned closer than the second engagement member to the first coupling position; and
- the first coupler, wherein the first coupler includes an electrical connector positioned for making electrical contact with a percutaneous probe at the first coupling position.
48. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the support member includes a flexible, bio-compatible material.
49. An apparatus for supporting couplers for removable coupling to a recipient during at least one of therapy administration and recipient monitoring, the apparatus comprising:
- a support member which aids in the placement of the couplers on the recipient, and is configured to rest on a body of the recipient proximate to a coupling region the support member having a first engagement portion configured to be positioned proximate to a first coupling position on the body of the recipient and a second engagement portion configured be positioned proximate to a second coupling position on the body of the recipient;
- a first engagement member configured to removably carry a first coupler at the first engagement portion of the support member; and
- a second engagement member configured to removably carry a second coupler at the second engagement portion of the support member, the first engagement member configured to be positioned closer than the second engagement member to the first coupling position
- wherein the support member includes a generally flat, rigid material.
50. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the first coupler includes an electrically conductive clamp, and wherein the first engagement member is configured to carry the first coupler including the electrically conductive clamp.
51. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the first coupler includes an electrically conductive alligator clip, and wherein the first engagement member is configured to carry the first coupler including the electrically conductive alligator clip.
52. (canceled)
53. An apparatus for supporting a plurality of percutaneous probe couplers in position for removable coupling to a recipient, comprising:
- a flexible support member which aids in placement of the couplers on the recipient, and is configured to rest on a body of a recipient and conform to a curvature of the body proximate to a location where the couplers are to be coupled to the body;
- a first engagement member depending from the support member and configured to be positioned proximate to a first coupling position on the body;
- a first coupler removably engaged with the first engagement member;
- a first electrical cable attached between the first coupler and the support member;
- a second engagement member depending from the support member body and configured to be positioned proximate to a second coupling position on the body of the recipient, the first engagement member configured to be positioned closer than the second engagement member to the first coupling position, the second engagement member configured to be positioned closer than the first engagement member to the second coupling position;
- a second coupler removably engaged with the second engagement member; and
- a second electrical cable attached between the second coupler and the support member.
54. The apparatus of claim 53 wherein the first electrical cable is attached to the support member at a first attachment location, and the second electrical cable is attached to the support member at a second attachment location, and further wherein the first and second electrical cables are bundled together within the support member and exit the support member adjacent to each other at a third attachment location.
55. (canceled)
56. The apparatus of claim 53 wherein the first coupler includes an electrically conductive clamp.
57. The apparatus of claim 53 wherein the first coupler includes an electrically conductive alligator clip.
58. The apparatus of claim 53 wherein the first and second electrical cables have approximately the same length.
59. The apparatus of claim 53 wherein the first electrical cable has a first length and the second electrical cable has a second length different than the first length.
60. (canceled)
61. The apparatus of claim 53 wherein the first coupler has an aperture and wherein the first engagement member includes a column projecting away from the support member and positioned to be received in the aperture of the first coupler.
62. The apparatus of claim 53 wherein the support member is shaped to rest on at least one of a back, a neck, a head and a leg of the recipient.
63. The apparatus of claim 53 wherein an arrangement of the first and second engagement members corresponds at least approximately to an arrangement of the first and second coupling positions.
64. The apparatus of claim 53 wherein the first and second engagement members are two of a larger plurality of engagement members, wherein each of the larger plurality of engagement members are configured to be positioned proximate to a corresponding one of a larger plurality of coupling positions including the first and second coupling positions, further wherein an outline of the coupling positions defines a first shape and an outline of the engagement members defines a corresponding second shape at least generally similar to the first shape.
65. An apparatus for supporting a plurality of percutaneous probe couplers in position for removable coupling to a recipient, comprising:
- a flexible support member which aids in placement of the couplers on the recipient, and is configured to rest on a body of a recipient and conform to a curvature of the body proximate to a coupling location where the couplers are to be coupled to the body, the support member having a central axis;
- a first engagement member depending from the support member and positioned on a first side of the central axis, the first engagement member configured to be positioned proximate to a first coupling position on the body of the recipient, the first coupling position located on the first side of the central axis;
- a first coupler removably engaged with the first engagement member;
- a first electrical cable attached between the first coupler and the support member;
- a second engagement member depending from the support member and positioned on a second side of the central axis opposite the first side of the central axis, the second engagement member configured to be positioned proximate to a second coupling position on the body of the recipient, the second coupling position located on the second side of the central axis;
- a second coupler removably engaged with the second engagement member; and
- a second electrical cable attached between the second coupler and the support member.
66. The apparatus of claim 65 wherein the first electrical cable is attached to the support member at a first attachment location, and the second electrical cable is attached to the support member at a second attachment location, and further wherein the first and second electrical cables are bundled together within the support member and exit the support member adjacent to each other at a third attachment location.
67. (canceled)
68. The apparatus of claim 65 wherein the first coupler includes an electrically conductive clamp.
69. The apparatus of claim 65 wherein the first coupler includes an electrically conductive alligator clip.
70. The apparatus of claim 65 wherein the first and second electrical cables have approximately the same length.
71. The apparatus of claim 65 wherein the first electrical cable has a first length and the second electrical cable has a second length different than the first length.
72. (canceled)
73. The apparatus of claim 65 wherein the first coupler has an aperture and wherein the first engagement member includes a post projecting away from the support member and positioned to be received in the aperture of the first coupler.
74. The apparatus of claim 65 wherein the support member is shaped to rest on at least one of a back, a neck, a head and a leg of the recipient.
75. The apparatus of claim 65 wherein an arrangement of the first and second engagement members corresponds at least approximately to an arrangement of the first and second coupling positions.
76. The apparatus of claim 65 wherein the first and second engagement members are two of a larger plurality of engagement members, wherein each of the larger plurality of engagement members are configured to be positioned proximate to a corresponding one of a larger plurality of coupling positions including the first and second coupling positions, further wherein an outline of the coupling positions defines a first shape and an outline of the engagement members defines a corresponding second shape at least generally similar to the first shape.
77. (canceled)
78. (canceled)
79. (canceled)
80. (canceled)
81. (canceled)
82. (canceled)
83. An apparatus for supporting couplers for removable coupling to a recipient during at least one of therapy administration and recipient monitoring, the apparatus comprising:
- support member which aids in placement of the couplers on the recipient, and is configured to rest on a body of the recipient, the support member having a first coupler portion configured to be positioned proximate to a first coupling position of the body of the recipient, the support member further having a second coupler portion configured to be positioned proximate to a second coupling position of the body of the recipient, the first coupler portion configured to be positioned closer than the second coupler portion to the first coupling position on the body of the recipient;
- a first coupler configured to be operatively coupled to the body when spaced apart from the first coupler portion and configured to be removably supported at the first coupler portion;
- a second coupler configured to be operatively coupled to the body when spaced apart from the second coupler portion and configured to be removably supported at the second-coupler portion;
- a recipient care unit configured to deliver therapy, monitor a condition of the recipient, or delivery therapy and monitor a condition of the recipient; and
- a first link between the care unit and the first coupler and a second link between the care unit and the second coupler.
84. (Canceled).
85. The apparatus of claim 83 wherein the recipient care unit includes a source of medicament.
86. The apparatus of claim 83 wherein the recipient care unit includes a monitor of electrical signals.
87. An apparatus for supporting couplers for removable coupling to a recipient during at least one of therapy administration and recipient monitoring, the apparatus comprising:
- a support member which aids in placement of the couplers on the recipient, and is configured to rest on a body of the recipient, the support member having a first coupler portion configured to be positioned proximate to a first coupling position of the body of the recipient, the support member further having a second coupler portion configured to be positioned proximate to a second coupling position of the body of the recipient, the first coupler portion configured to be positioned closer than the second coupler portion to the first coupling position on the body of the recipient;
- a first coupler configured to be operatively coupled to the body and removably supported at the first coupler portion;
- a second coupler configured to be operatively coupled to the body and removably supported at the second coupler portion;
- a recipient care unit configured to deliver therapy monitor a condition of the recipient, or delivery therapy and monitor a condition of the recipient; and
- a first link between the care unit and the first coupler and second link between the care unit and the second coupler;
- wherein the first coupler is moveable relative to the support member between an attached position with the first coupler engaged with the support member at the first coupler location, a detached position with the first coupler disengaged from the first coupler location, and a coupled position with the first coupler operatively coupled to the recipient at the first coupling position, the first coupler having an electrical contact for connecting to a percutaneous electrical probe inserted into the patient, and further wherein the first link includes a flexible electrical cable.
88. (canceled)
89. The apparatus of claim 83 wherein the first coupler has an aperture and wherein the support member includes a post at the first coupler location positioned to be received in the aperture of the first coupler.
90. The apparatus of claim 83 wherein the support member is flexible and resilient to conform to a surface of the body.
91. The apparatus of claim 83 wherein the support member is shaped to rest on at least one of a back, a neck, a head and a leg of the recipient.
92. The apparatus of claim 83 wherein an arrangement of the first and second coupler locations corresponds at least approximately to an arrangement of the first and second coupling positions.
93. The apparatus of claim 83 wherein the first and second coupler portions are two of a larger plurality of coupler portions, wherein each of the larger plurality of coupler portions are configured to be positioned proximate to a corresponding one of a larger plurality of coupling positions including the first and second coupling positions, further wherein an outline of the coupling positions defines a first shape and an outline of the coupler locations defines a corresponding second shape at least generally similar to the first shape.
94. A method for coupling therapy and/or monitoring equipment to a recipient, comprising:
- positioning a support member against a body of a recipient proximate to a coupling area of the body and spaced apart from first and second coupling positions in the coupling area;
- supporting a first coupler relative to the body at a first coupler location of the support member proximate to the first coupling position;
- supporting a second coupler relative to the body at a second coupler location of the support member proximate to the second coupling position;
- removing the first coupler from the first coupler location of the support member and coupling the first coupler to the body at the first coupling position; and
- removing the second coupler from the second coupler location of the support member and coupling the second coupler to the body at the second coupling position.
95. The method of claim 94 wherein positioning the support member includes positioning a first elongated portion of the support member along a longitudinal axis of the coupling area, positioning a second elongated portion of the support member transverse to the longitudinal axis, and positioning a third elongated portion of the support member transverse to the longitudinal axis between the first and second elongated portions.
96. The method of claim 94 wherein coupling the first coupler to the body includes electrically coupling the first coupler to the body, and wherein the method further includes transmitting electrical signals to the body.
97. The method of claim 94 wherein supporting the first coupler includes supporting the first coupler closer than the second coupler to the first coupling position.
98. The method of claim 94, further comprising conforming the support member to a curved surface of the body.
99. The method of claim 94 wherein positioning the support member against the body includes positioning the support member against at least one of a back, a neck, a head and a leg of the recipient.
100. The method of claim 94 wherein the first and second coupling positions are two of a larger plurality of coupling positions and the first and second coupler locations are two of a larger plurality of coupler locations and wherein the method further comprises orienting the support member with an outline of the coupler locations being generally similar to an outline defined by the coupling positions.
101. The method of claim 94 wherein coupling the first coupler includes coupling the first coupler to a percutaneous probe at the first coupling position.
102. A method for coupling therapy and/or monitoring equipment to a recipient, comprising:
- positioning a support member against a body of a recipient proximate to a coupling area of the body, the support member being elongated along a support member axis;
- supporting a first coupler relative to the body at a first coupler location of the support member proximate to a first coupling position of the body;
- supporting a second coupler relative to the body at a second coupler location of the support member proximate to a second coupling position of the body with the first coupler positioned closer than the second coupler to the support member axis;
- removing the first coupler from the first coupler location of the support member and coupling the first coupler to the body at the first coupling position; and
- removing the second coupler from the second coupler location of the support member and coupling the second coupler to the body at the second coupling position.
103. The method of claim 102 wherein positioning the support member includes positioning a first elongated portion of the support member along a longitudinal axis of the coupling area, positioning a second elongated portion of the support member transverse to the longitudinal axis, and positioning a third elongated portion of the support member transverse to the longitudinal axis between the first and second elongated portions.
104. The method of claim 102 wherein coupling the first coupler to the body includes electrically coupling the first coupler to the body, and wherein the method further includes transmitting electrical signals to the body.
105. The method of claim 102 wherein supporting the first coupler includes supporting the first coupler closer than the second coupler to the first coupling position.
106. The method of claim 102, further comprising conforming the support member to a curved surface of the body.
107. The method of claim 102 wherein positioning the support member against the body includes positioning the support member against at least one of a back, a neck, a head and a leg of the recipient.
108. The method of claim 102 wherein the first and second coupling positions are two of a larger plurality of coupling positions and the first and second coupler locations are two of a larger plurality of coupler locations and wherein the method further comprises orienting the support member with an outline of the coupler locations being generally similar to an outline defined by the coupling positions.
109. The method of claim 102 wherein coupling the first coupler includes coupling the first coupler to a percutaneous probe at the first coupling position.
110. A method for coupling therapy and/or monitoring equipment to a recipient, comprising:
- positioning a support member against a body of a recipient proximate to a coupling area;
- supporting a first coupler relative to the body at a first coupler location of the support member proximate to a first coupling position on the body;
- supporting a second coupler relative to the body at a second coupler location of the support member proximate to a second coupling position on the body, the first coupler location being positioned closer than the second coupler location to the first coupling position;
- removing the first coupler from the first coupler location of the support member and coupling the first coupler to the body at the first coupling position; and
- removing the second coupler from the second coupler location of the support member and coupling the second coupler to the body at the second coupling position.
111. The method of claim 110 wherein positioning the support member includes positioning a first elongated portion of the support member along a longitudinal axis of the coupling area, positioning a second elongated portion of the support member transverse to the longitudinal axis, and positioning a third elongated portion of the support member transverse to the longitudinal axis between the first and second elongated portions.
112. The method of claim 110 wherein coupling the first coupler to the body includes electrically coupling the first coupler to the body, and wherein the method further includes transmitting electrical signals to the body.
113. The method of claim 110 wherein coupling the first coupler to the body includes electrically coupling the first coupler to the body, and wherein the method further includes receiving electrical signals from the body.
114. The method of claim 110 wherein the first coupler is configured to provide liquid medicament to the recipient and wherein the method further comprises delivering liquid medicament to the first coupler and the recipient when the first coupler is coupled to the recipient at the first coupling position.
115. The method of claim 110 wherein removing the first coupler includes removing the first coupler from an aperture of the support member.
116. The method of claim 110 wherein removing the first coupler includes removing the first coupler from a post of the support member.
117. The method of claim 110, further comprising conforming the support member to a curved surface of the body.
118. The method of claim 110 wherein positioning the support member against the body includes positioning the support member against at least one of a back, a neck, a head and a leg of the recipient.
119. The method of claim 110 wherein positioning the support member includes orienting the support member with an arrangement of the first and second coupler locations corresponding at least approximately to an arrangement of the first and second coupling positions.
120. The method of claim 110 wherein the first and second coupling positions are two of a larger plurality of coupling positions and the first and second coupler locations are two of a larger plurality of coupler locations and wherein the method further comprises orienting the support member with an outline of the coupler locations being generally similar to an outline defined by the coupling positions.
121. The method of claim 110 wherein coupling the first coupler includes coupling the first coupler to a percutaneous probe at the first coupling position.
122. The method of claim 110 wherein coupling the first coupler includes clamping the first coupler to a percutaneous electrode inserted in the recipient.
123. A method for administering percutaneous electrical therapy to a recipient, comprising:
- aligning a flexible support member with a body of a recipient;
- positioning the support member against the body proximate to a coupling area;
- conforming the support member to a curvature of the body
- supporting a first coupler relative to the body at a first coupler location of the support member proximate to a first coupling position of the body;
- supporting a second coupler relative to the body at a second coupler location of the support member proximate to a second coupling position of the body with the first coupler location positioned closer than the second coupler location to the first coupling position;
- removing the first coupler from the first coupler location of the support member and electrically coupling the first coupler to a first percutaneous probe positioned in the body at the first coupling position;
- removing the second coupler from the second coupler location of the support member and electrically coupling the second coupler to a second percutaneous probe in the body at the second coupling position; and
- electrically coupling the first and second couplers to a source of electrical potential.
124. The method of claim 123, further comprising actuating the first coupler to insert the first percutaneous probe in the recipient.
125. The apparatus of claim 123 wherein the support member has a central axis, a first elongated portion positioned along the central axis, a second elongated portion extending transversely to the central axis on first and second sides of the central axis, and a third elongated portion positioned between the first and second elongated portions and extending transversely to the central axis on the first and second sides of the central axis, further wherein the first and second coupler locations are positioned on one of the elongated portions, with the support member including a post positioned at the first coupler location on the first side of the central axis and the support member further including a post positioned at the second coupler location on the second side of the central axis.
126. The method of claim 123 wherein the first coupler has an aperture and wherein removing the first coupler includes disengaging the aperture with a post of the support member.
127. The method of claim 123, further comprising resting the support member on at least one of a back, a neck, a head and a leg of the recipient.
128. The method of claim 123, further comprising orienting the support member with an arrangement of the first and second coupler locations corresponding at least approximately to an arrangement of the first and second coupling positions.
129. A method for administering percutaneous electrical therapy to a recipient, comprising:
- aligning a flexible support member with a body of a recipient by aligning a first elongated portion of the support member with a spine of the recipient and positioning second and third elongated portions of the support member transverse to the spine;
- conforming the support member to the body proximate to a coupling area;
- removing five pairs of electrical couplers from the support member and connecting the electrical couplers to percutaneous probes inserted into the recipient while the electrical couplers remain connected to the support member with electrical cables, wherein removing the five pairs of electrical couplers includes removing couplers of a first pair positioned toward an end of the first elongated portion, removing couplers of a second pair positioned at opposite ends of the second elongated portion, removing couplers of a third pair positioned at opposite ends of the third elongated portion, removing couplers of a fourth pair positioned between the first and second pair, and removing couplers of a fifth pair positioned between the second and third pair; and
- electrically connecting each coupler to an electrically conductive percutaneous probe inserted in the body.
130. The method of claim 129, further comprising electrically coupling each coupler to a source of electrical potential.
131. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the support member is elongated along a support member axis.
132. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising:
- a first engagement member depending from the support member at the first coupler portion and configured to removably engage the first coupler; and
- a second engagement member depending from the support member at the second coupler portion and configured to removably engage the second coupler.
133. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising the second coupler.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 23, 2004
Publication Date: May 5, 2005
Inventors: Jon Bishay (Woodinville, WA), Paul Leonard (Woodinville, WA), Jay Miazga (Seattle, WA)
Application Number: 10/994,372